The holy gospel according to Matthew the fifth chapter verses 38-48: You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. The gospel of the Lord.

Often when one is wronged, their first reaction is to retaliate or get even, but God is says to do good to those who wrong you and if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, you are to turn the other cheek as well. This is not a natural reaction, but only God can give you the strength to love as he loves. By loving and praying for your enemies, one can overcome evil with good. In verse 48 Jesus wants humans to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. Sinners will never be perfect and sinless, but can all strive to be more like Christ who is perfect.

Psalm 119:33-40 - “Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statues; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!”

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Runge welcomes all visitors to Sunday morning services beginning at 8:30 a.m. followed by Fellowship, Sunday School, and Adult Bible Study. In Adult Bible Study they will begin a new series " Mighty Acts of God" next Sunday so if you are interested in studying the Word of the Lord in depth, please join in. Wednesday Women's Bible study begins at 9 a.m. at the Monecke's home and Wednesday evening Bible Study begins at 6:30 p.m. at the church. Come and see.

The Lord taught one to pray the Lord's Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”